As a way of enhancing the state’s financial independence, the newly built Ekiti State Internal Revenue Service Area Tax Office was officially commissioned in Ikole-Ekiti.

This initiative aims to fund recurrent expenditures through internally generated revenue (IGR), minimizing reliance on federal allocations.

In his address at the launch, Governor Abiodun Abayomi Oyebanji, stressed the importance of this new office, stating that it reflects the state’s commitment to decentralizing revenue collection and improving the efficiency of tax administration.

The governor noted, “This office is a crucial step towards building a self-sustaining economy for Ekiti State.”

The establishment of the tax office comes in response to the remarkable increase in the state’s IGR, which has played a vital role in fulfilling various campaign promises, including advancements in education, agriculture, health, infrastructure, and human capital development.

The governor reiterated the objective to fully fund workers’ salaries and recurrent expenses through IGR, while reserving federal allocations for essential development projects.

Residents are urged to promptly pay taxes, as funds reinvested improve critical infrastructure and initiatives that enhance living standards statewide.
“Tax payment is not just a duty but an investment in our collective future,” the governor asserted.

Officials expressed optimism about the potential of the new tax office to significantly enhance revenue generation in the coming years.

They believe that with the cooperation of all citizens, Ekiti State can achieve the targeted financial self-reliance.

Unity among residents is crucial as the state pursues a prosperous future for Ekiti State on this important journey.

IGR Increase in Ekiti.

In the report circulated by the Joint Tax Board (JTB) at its 155th meeting at Zuma Rock Resort, Suleja, Niger State, Ekiti State ranked first in the 2023 Annual Growth Rate Ranking.

The Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) increased from ₦17.03b in 2022 to ₦29.82b in 2023, representing a 75 percent growth rate.

Enhanced reporting and strong IGR growth have improved compliance, as taxpayers appreciate Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s performance and leadership.

Ekiti State also moved up to 16th position in the Total Collections Ranking from its previous ranking of one of the worst five.

Borno Governor Professor Babagana Zulum has presented the 2025 Budget, titled the “Budget of Recovery and Continuity.” This budget totals ₦584.76 billion and aims to consolidate the state’s developmental strides.

Governor Zulum emphasized the importance of this budget in enhancing the quality of life for Borno residents and addressing the challenges the state has faced in recent years.

The budget prioritizes essential sectors such as health, education, and economic recovery. It also allocates critical investments toward security, infrastructure, and social services.

By focusing on these areas, the government seeks to create a stable environment conducive to growth and development, ensuring that all citizens benefit from the state’s progress.

Budget Allocation

In terms of allocation, the budget divides ₦380.84 billion for Capital Expenditure and ₦203.92 billion for Recurrent Expenditure.

The funding will come from various sources, including Recurrent Revenue from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC), which amounts to ₦311.70 billion.

Additionally, Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) will contribute ₦30.09 billion, while Capital Receipts, including aid, grants, and a Capital Development Fund, will provide ₦237.96 billion.

Governor Zulum disclosed that the health sector will receive ₦89.97 billion, which accounts for 15.39% of the total budget.

His robust healthcare agenda includes several initiatives, such as constructing an Orthopaedic Hospital in Maiduguri and establishing General Hospitals in various locations across the state.

The government will rehabilitate hospitals in Baga and Mulai, complete the Teaching Hospital, and expand the Health Insurance Scheme statewide.

In the education sector, which has been allocated ₦69.81 billion, Governor Zulum highlighted his plans to establish a new Second Chance School.

He also aims to build five additional Mega Schools and five Mega High Islamic Schools while rehabilitating facilities in 50 schools across the state.

These initiatives will enhance educational opportunities for Borno’s youth and improve the overall quality of education in the region.

To combat food insecurity, Governor Zulum announced a ₦10 billion procurement of food items. He outlined plans to cultivate 100,000 hectares for rain-fed farming and 50,000 hectares for irrigation.

Additionally, the government will invest in large-scale Firgi farming and implement programs to stimulate local economic activities, support small businesses, and attract further investment into the state.

The budget also includes the release of ₦22 billion for victim support and the reconstruction of damaged infrastructure.

This infrastructure includes roads, bridges, schools, and healthcare facilities. Upcoming projects include the Maiduguri Dry Port, dualizing Maiduguri-Biu Road, a Ngaddabul River bridge, and upgrading Borno Radio and Television.

These initiatives will contribute significantly to the overall development and recovery of Borno State.

The founder of Igbo Youth Movement (IYM) and the Deputy Secretary of Igbo Leaders of Thought (ILT), Evangelist Elliot Ugochukwu-Uko, has advised the Igbos to stop mourning the past and surge on to the future with a renewed zeal.

Evangelist Ugochukwu-Uko, who is also the Secretary of the Eastern Consultative Assembly (ECA), made the call during an interview with News Band on Friday wherein he analysed the daunting challenges facing Ndigbo and proffered solutions.

Below are the excerpts of the interview:

The South East seems to lose out politically every time. In today’s political configuration, the region does not look strong. Which way forward sir. 

I am not a politician. Our political leaders who presented themselves for leadership, are actually the people who should answer the question. I agree with you that my region seems displaced and disoriented at the moment, but we face reality by taking stock of our preferences and choices that brought us here. And ask ourselves why we are always left with the short end of the stick. 

We must identify our mistakes as a people and then resolve to correct past errors, if not, we’ll continue to swim in circles until we wake up and face reality.  

What exactly do you mean sir? 

Our crabs- in-a-bucket mentality, our pull him down syndrome and our self-centered culture of chronic individualism, where our leaders place individual advancement over and above group interest, has remained the bane of the South East. We must shake off these unhelpful and even destructive attitudes and develop a sense of patriotism and love for our land and stop pulling down our brothers.  

Our elite, especially the political class, have always worked against each other, each believing that he must first destroy his brother in order to achieve relevance. It’s an age-old problem. The sorry state of Igboland is simply as a result of the selfishness of our own people over the years. Not the fault of the Yoruba, the Hausa/Fulani, the Kanuri or the Ijaw etc. 

Blame rests squarely on the heads and shoulders of our own people. We failed to collectively work towards the advancement of the interest of our region, preferring instead only the betterment of our personal desires at the expense of group interest. Truth must be told.  

Nobody will come from outside to develop our region for us. Our leaders must learn to stop working against each other and sincerely develop a blueprint for aggressive development of our region. Getting one of our politicians into Aso Rock Villa, though desirable and proper, should not be the greatest priority of our people. Our greatest priority should be how to develop our region.  

The South East Governors, billionaires and business community should urgently design a development plan that will be collectively and religiously committed to and exploit the huge, enviable talents and potentials of our people in order to positively transform our region.  

Moaning over Aso Rock will not build up our region. Only committed and dedicated effort will grow and prosper the South East. Our leaders across board should wake up to reality.  

Are you saying that working against each other and at cross purposes is responsible for the lack of development of the region? 

Of course, if Ndigbo pull resources together and commit our energies towards transforming this region, you’ll be surprised at the result. We are gifted people, hardworking folks with a never-say-die attitude to challenges of life. We are only being held down by the lack of synergy and direction. We usually place individual interest over group interest, and that hasn’t helped us very much.  

The political quarrels between the great Zik and KO Mbadiwe and co, didn’t help us, the crack that developed within the NCNC, as a result of Zik’s preference of MI Okpara over K O Mbadiwe as his replacement as Eastern Premier, never healed, in fact a lot of people do not know that the news of federal Minister Jaja Nwachukwu dramatically leaving the NCNC, was drowned by the first coup de tat which occurred same morning, January 15th 1966. 

The East continued to revel in internal squabbling against Ojukwu during the war, and this lack of unity created dangerous divisions, the attitude of Ukpabi Asika as administrator for close to a decade sowed certain negative seeds, as the elite did a lot of dishonourable things just to survive, things that negatively impacted on our future as a people. Again, the needless warfare by the Igbo elite over 40 years ago against Governors Sam Mbakwe and Jim Nwobodo, established a culture of worship of the centre while subverting and undermining your people’s interest, just to profit and benefit from the centre at the individual level.  

All these very selfish phenomena, over time weakened cohesion and eroded unity and of course were exploited by others to dominate us perpetually. That is the truth. Our leaders must come clean, exorcise their past sins against their own people and make restitution by boldly and sincerely articulating an altruistic way forward and work with their aggrieved youths to develop our region. That’s the way to go.  

This crabs in a bucket syndrome got worse with time, as our leaders strove to destroy each other, weakening cohesion and unity. Sowing confusion in the region and of course, losing the respect of the younger generation of the region. You can easily locate from where the angry youths of the region found it difficult to respect the leaders.  

During the military era, our leaders shamelessly sucked up to the military rulers for survival. Deified them and even worshipped them as deities, in order to gain favour and patronage. We lost our self-respect in the process. Accepting every situation and willfully degrading ourselves just to profit at the individual level. All these past iniquities are holding us down as a people, as we remain the weakest and most disrespected region.  

What exactly is the way out? 

Total repentance and telling ourselves the truth, and coming together to develop our dear region. You see, when you belittle yourself, and your region by working discreetly against your own people and your region, for personal cash-out, you lose respect so much from other Nigerians, that when you begin to hustle to become President, those leaders from other regions who know your secret sins, will dismiss your aspiration to lead them. They’ll quietly block your dreams to lead them. A case of one’s sins catching up with him. 

They may keep quiet about it, just because they appreciate the gains of your aspiration to rule the country. What is that gain? Simple: they appreciate that the excitement from raising your hopes to Aso Rock will invariably weaken the secession breeze blowing through your region and may rekindle the interest of the secessionist towards elections and politicking. That’s all. 

They will never wish to hand over power to your region, because they understand the enormous powers in the Presidency under this 1999 constitution. Moreover, they have charges against the behaviour of our region’s politicians between 2010 and 2015, when a Southerner from Bayelsa was President.  

They rightly or wrongly believe that our people who they say surrounded that President from Niger Delta, behaved very badly in a very selfish manner. These are some of the reasons other Nigerians are not comfortable handing over power to the South East.  

Now, it doesn’t really matter if these accusations against our people are true or not. The fact remains that those accusing us of being very selfish and insensitive to other Nigerians needs, hold unto these charges. That’s part of our problems as a people.  

What is the way forward sir?  

Our leaders must mend their ways. Regrettably, they are yet to. They have not yet come to terms that our salvation lies squarely on a restructured Nigeria built on true federalism and power devolution. If they had, they would have been very committed to the restructuring of the polity. 

They are yet to understand that it is our duty and responsibility to develop our region. If they had, they would have fought for and gotten us long before now, a functional International Airport with cargo wing, a commercial Seaport, railways, electricity generating plant, etc. They are still erroneously delaying the sincere and direct engagement of the agitators in pursuit of closure and resolution of the agitation. The key word here is sincere. 

They are still working against each other, sabotaging each other and decamping aligning only with any party that will guarantee their bread and butter. The self-evident injustices against our region for decades now should have forced our leaders to make sacrifices for the progress of our region. But have they? 

Just look at the behaviour of our politicians in viciously discrediting each other without minding the consequences of that to group interest and cohesion. Look at what they did to Chinwoke Mbadinuju, seized the State’s resources through what they called irrevocable standing payment order that crippled the State, shut down schools for one academic year, later hijacked the State and attempted burning down the State. The entire elite club kept quite.  

Look at the warfare between Orji Uzor Kalu and Ojo Maduekwe, Onyema Ugochukwu, and co that held the State down for years. Look at the battle of supremacy between Sam Egwu and the then Senate President Pius Anyim, look at Chimaroke Nnamani and Jim Nwobodo. The least is endless. In all these needless upheavals that drew the land backwards, there appeared a clear absence of a respected regional leadership that could call these leaders to order or at least reconcile them. 

Obiano and Okorocha dutifully stayed away from meetings of the South East Governors forum. How can the region make progress when the Governors don’t enjoy the necessary camaraderie to work as a team. Politicians viciously discredit and blackmail each other. Check out the attacks against potential South East Presidential materials by their own brothers. Check out the arrogance of men in power. Check out the needless warfare between Sullivan Chime and both his predecessor and successor. Why don’t we see these issues in the North.  

Look at the needless attacks against each other at every turn, destroying cohesion and group unity. These inanities should come to an end. Our leaders must come together and work together to move our region forward. That cannot happen if we don’t acknowledge the mistakes of the past and resolve to make a change for the good of the land and progress of our region.  

It’s time to face reality. We are the ones holding our region down. Igboland has so much potential for greatness, the people are very talented. Our leaders must realise that they need attitudinal change. We must stop blaming others while exonerating ourselves from our evident failures. It’s time to make a change. South East is in dire need of aggressive development. The time to start is now. Read more.

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©Copyright 2023 News Band

(Click here for News Band updates via WhatsApp, or Telegram. For eyewitness accounts/ reports/ articles, write to elstimmy@gmail.com. Follow us on Twitter or Facebook.)

Nigerians have lambasted Senator Ben Murray-Bruce over #BuyNaijaToGrowTheNaira post on “X” (formerly Twitter) while his children live large abroad.

Taking to his “X” handle, @benmurraybruce, Senator Murray-Bruce had written:

“The Naira is finding its proper and natural value because the Central Bank of Nigeria has stopped the practice of defending the Naira with $1.5 billion monthly.

“If you want the Naira to rise, don’t come on social media to vent. Instead, it would be best if you now defended the Naira by coming on social media with Glo data… coming to Silverbird Cinemas to watch Nollywood movies… shifting from Manchester United and Real Madrid to Enyimba FC and Kano Pillars… eating Dangote spaghetti and washing it down with Chivita juice, and flying home for Christmas and New Year with Air Peace.

“Only when we #BuyNaijaToGrowTheNaira will the Naira appreciate, not when we come on social media to vent.”

Nigerians react:

Teddy Ezeike @TEzeike:

“Excuse me Sir, you are blaming the victims ? That’s what you’re doing here!

1. No one was defending Naira every month with $1.5b ! It is a big lie !!

2. I don’t get what you mean by Glo data? Are there foreign data providers in Nigeria ? The reality is that NITEL remains the backbone of all data and international traffic in Nigeria. Besides MTN, AIRTEL etc are largely owned by local Nigerian investors ! This is the stupidest assertion ever !!

3. Ok watching movies at Silverbirds ..lol ..Even if Nollywood is watched in Netflix or DSTV ..the bottom line is the what royalties are paid to the producers/actors who are Nigerians. Btw Silver-bird imported all the equipment for their studios etc in US dollars !

4. On watching Nigerian leagues instead of Local leagues ? I don’t know what to say because kiosks that offer televised matches in Nigeria collect Naira ..I have not seen anyone paying in dollars in any beer parlour that televises matches ! Perhaps people like Mr. Bruce jet out to England every weekend to watch matches !! Btw is local league a business ? Why not make it one !!

5. On flying Airpeace …this one is the most ridiculous indeed ! Is airpeace or any other Nigerian carriers allowed to fly into foreign routes ? Is that the problem of local carriers or idiocy of the government to have a conducive business like agreements based on reciprocity? This one is FAT stupid from Mr. Ben

“How to stop Naira plunge:

1. Stop the madness of government exchange rate ..whether A&E or whatever window NOW and excess demand due to ROUND TRIPPING will dry up immediately !

2. Allow those that have dollars to deposit , withdraw or exchange as they like within the banking system WITH NO LIMIT OR RESTRICTIONS and no report to EFCC or legal repercussion say in the next 2-3 years.

“With these, including CBN policies and bold actions as per price stability, Naira will stabilise and will find its natural value.”

Prof. Saint Collins @CosagieSaint:

“Why didn’t you encourage the National Assembly members who are interested in purchasing SUVs for over 100 million to consider Innoson Motors? Instead of directing this advice to Nigerians on social media, why not engage with your colleagues in the National Assembly?”

Kotosia @Kotosiafaze:

“Meanwhile Nigerian government can’t drive Innoson ? Nigeria Government can spend outrageous amount on hotel and strippers , shame on you Mr Ben!”

Kaykay @Kay_kay4u:

“If you also want Naira to rise, don’t come on social media and tell us what to do while your children are abroad. Bring them home let them use Glo and watch Silver bird Cinemas.”

That Naija Guy™ @ThatNaijaGuy001:

“When will you stop these deceits Mr Ben? You buy most of your cars abroad but come to social media to deceive the people with #BuyNaijaToGrowTheNaira, and try to gaslight those calling out you wicked, and insensitive and senseless Nigerian politicians.”

Tobi Akinbo J. @realTobiAkinbo:

“Lamba continue, before you take this post serious, remember Ben Bruce is a showbiz and media business man, this is a pure PR job. He’s not using made in Nigeria products hope you know.”

Iv @onechucx:

“Whatever revenue silverbird and glo are making today is the best they can make in the current era, the argument would have made a point if people were buying Verizon data alternatively or flying out just for movies at Reels Cinema in UAE. Except glo data is taking the place of food; no amount of it will equate the amount of money spent on those SUVs at NASS and then hotels bills spent in New York at the UNGA. Let’s stop being insensitive to the plight of the people and tell the regime to please stop the wasteful spending. We didn’t sacrifice our funds at the petrol station for it to be wasted in 2 weeks at Abuja.”

Keny David @KennyNuga:

“On point Sir.

We have to start valuing our educational institutions and reduce Japa syndrome.

We have to start refining our own crude oil to produce petrol , gasoline, lubricants etc

We have to start using our own Hospitals and Clinics and avoid foreign medical trips .

We also need to promote our tourist centers while we make our cities safe for foreigners to come in.

Insecurities , Kidnappings, Scamming, Drug addiction and all sort of illicit acts must be curtailed to promote our currency and build the trust of Investors.”

Me @kingofsinging:

“Don’t forget that the politicians should continue using their political powers to forcefully collect all the forex in the central bank to use to bribe delegates to vote for them.”

Erhunmwunse ehis @ErhunsFadani:

“Mr Ben Bruce, you are a hypocrite and the God of Justice will visit you all political thieves with your recompense soon.”

Nigeria @PROUDLY_EDO:

“But his children are not here to use the Glo and MTN data to stabilise the Naira? Make una dey think ooo. They always blame the masses while their friends and families live affluent life abroad and uses made in German or Japan cars.”

LAAHmeansBusiness @welaah26:

“The irony of it all is that he and his goons that were govt officials and those still serving are found wanting in aligning with your submission.”

 Read more.

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©Copyright 2023 News Band

(Click here for News Band updates via WhatsApp, or Telegram. For eyewitness accounts/ reports/ articles, write to elstimmy@gmail.com. Follow us on Twitter or Facebook.)

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory. Barrister Ezenwo Nyesom Wike has said that the FCT Administration will only allocate land to agencies of government that show commitment and capacity to develop them within a specified time frame.

Barr. Wike disclosed this in Abuja on Thursday. October 19, 2023 when the Acting Comptroller General of Nigerian Customs Service (NCS), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi paid him a courtesy visit in his office.

The Minister said this policy decision is to discourage land speculation in the FCT, warning that the FCT Administration will not hesitate to revoke any allocation that is not developed within a specified period.

He said: “My policy now, before I approve land to any agency, that agency will commit that it will develop this land within so, so number of years. If you do not develop, the FCT should take back your land.”

Responding to a request by the Acting CG for land allocation to construct a school for the staff of the Agency, the FCT Minister said the allocation would be approved on the condition that the Agency commits to a timeline for its development as well as make payment for ground rent.

He said: “I will not allocate land that will be till thy kingdom come. You must convince me that really you are serious to build schools for your staff and their children within a number of years and if that is not done, FCT will take back the land”.

“Even though the condition for granting certificate of occupancy is that you must pay your ground rent. I want to go further and say that in granting you this, that you must pay your ground rent as at when due. E

“Even though it is stated in the C of 0, this time around, we shall not give you notice to pay. A tenant must know he is a debtor.

“You don’t need your landlord to come and tell you that you have not paid for land. You know you are a debtor”, he said.

On the request by the Acting CG to reverse the revocation of its plot in the serviced part of the FCT, the FCT Minister warned that such request will not be honoured, but hinted at the option of penalties.

“If we say we will give you back the land that we have revoked, it would look as if we are not serious. Every agency of government will come.

“Nigeria is such a country that the moment they hear that we have given it back to Customs, all the other agencies will also come back,” he said.

On his part, the Acting Comptroller General of the Nigerian Customs Service, Adewale, congratulated the FCT Minister on his appointment and wished him a successful tenure of office.

The Acting CG who acknowledged Barrister Wike’s track record of achievement in his previous positions as Minister of Education and Governor of Rivers State, expressed confidence that the Minister will also leave a record of performance in the FCT, with transparency and integrity.

He assured the Minister that compliance with FCT laws and regulations was a very important mandate of the Service, adding that the FCT, as the location of its Headquarters and Command, is very critical and strategic to its operations.

Also at the event were the FCT Minister of State, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, Permanent Secretary, Mr Olusade Adesola and Mandate Secretaries, as well as senior officials of the Nigeria Customs service and the FCTA. Read more.

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©Copyright 2023 News Band

(Click here for News Band updates via WhatsApp, or Telegram. For eyewitness accounts/ reports/ articles, write to elstimmy@gmail.com. Follow us on Twitter or Facebook.)